The Grid Connect Outlet announced at CES will give Siri command of your walls
The Wi-Fi enabled outlet will give Siri command over anything with a plug.
LAS VEGAS -- After months of speculation, we're finally getting some dirt on which products will work with Apple's HomeKit once it launches. The ConnectSense Smart Outlet from Grid Connect will take advantage of Siri to let you command by voice whatever device you plug into this Wi-Fi-enabled outlet.
On display at here at the 2015 International CES this week, the Grid Connect ConnectSense Smart Outlet replaces a standard wall outlet and includes a USB port and an antenna for ZigBee. It's available for preorder now for $80 (converted, that's about £50 or AU$100) and should start shipping this quarter.
Rules of the smart home
Grid Connect will ship with its own rules software. You'll be able to set up timers to turn off the TV if it's getting late, or turn on the lights at the time that you tend to get home from work. Grid Connect will include notifications as well, hopefully to help you manage power consumption.
The greatest appeal of the outlet, though, will inevitably be granting access to iOS through HomeKit. You'll then be able to issue voice commands to Siri to manipulate anything you have plugged into the Smart Outlet, and Grid Connect's device will be compatible with all other HomeKit products.
HomeKit will have a rules system of its own, so when you open your Chamberlain MyQ Garage or unlock your Schlage door , you can train the system to turn on the entertainment system you have plugged into your Smart Outlet.
Heavy competition
Grid Connect isn't the first to smarten up the plug. In fact, it has plenty of competition. Insteon's plug will be HomeKit-compatible as well, in addition to offering IFTTT functionality to create rules with quite a few non-HomeKit smart devices. iDevices will offer a more mobile option for plug-in HomeKit compatibility with the iDevices Switch .
Grid Connect sets itself apart somewhat with a ZigBee antenna, opening the door for it to act as a hub for other smart devices. It also packs in a USB port.
Outlook
That might not be enough to help it stand out among so much so many plugs, but the extras and the HomeKit compatibility make it at least worth a look. For all of CNET's CES 2015 coverage, click here.